Privilege and oppression
have underlying yet poignant roles in society. These two factors are largely
responsible for the placement of those in power and those underneath them. Perhaps
the most important reason why privilege and oppression have become such large
scale issues is due to a strong movement toward an individualistic attitude. In
other words, most would prefer to believe that any privileges that they enjoy
on a daily basis are on account of personal achievement or individual effort. Especially
in light of the current debates surrounding government programs and poverty in
America, ‘unearned privilege’ often falls on sore ears. All things considered,
in order to make a progressive effort toward ending the chokehold privilege has
on society, one must consider the prospects of relinquishing the silent
privileges one may enjoy in daily life. Furthermore, intersectional identity is
as key a factor in shaping one’s personhood as anything. For example, one may
not readily identify with someone that does not share a common identifier, such
as race, orientation or religion. This occurrence is caused by a list of
attributes that are placed upon us at the very moment that society is made
knowledgeable of these identifiers.
1.
As a male, I can work a government job
without making less money than my female co-workers.
2.
As a male, I don’t have to worry about
what society projects upon my sex life.
3.
As a male, I don’t have to give up my
last name should I decide get married.
4.
As a male, I don’t have to worry about
the current debate on women’s rights as they relate to contraception and
abortion.
5.
As a male, the charge to have children
is not impressed upon me.
6.
As an able bodied person, I have access
to all facilities and establishments without the need for access ramps, lifts
or elevators.
7.
As an able bodied person, I can begin
searching for a job without having to rule out jobs that require physical labor.
8.
As a male, I can ascertain a position of
power and not have my sex be questioned as a factor that might hinder my
ability to do my job.
9.
As a college student, I can apply to a
job and not have to worry about my education’s bearing on my potential to be
hired.
10.
As an American, I can freely voice my criticism
of political officials without the threat of incarceration.
11.
As a male, the common family structure,
which gives women few alternatives to marriage and children, does not affect me.
12.
As a male, I can make large purchases
without my sex bringing judgment upon me.
13.
As a male, I can be a strong leader
without my personal life coming into question
14.
As a male, my life choices will not be
traced back to my emotions
15.
As a college student, my aptitude will
not be in question in daily life
I had never really thought about, what the author referred to as, the “invisible back pack” before. The author had a really good point when she pointed out that men would admit that woman were disadvantaged but would not admit that men were advantaged. That’s similar to how I feel about a lot of characteristics about me that could have an effect on the way that I am treated. I never really thought about white as being an advantage. I knew that other ethnicities and races were less privledged and were disadvantaged, but I sort of thought of being white as neutral: I wasn’t at an advantage nor a disadvantage. I suppose that’s because I didn’t want to think of myself of having things that I didn’t deserve or earn. That’s also how I felt about money. I genuinely believe that all people are equal and deserve equal opportunities, and it upsets me that I know not everyone does. It sounds vain to say, but I came from at least an upper middle class family. I know that people with less money are disadvantaged, but I never thought of myself as having an advantage but I’ve come to notice that there are a lot.
ReplyDelete1. I’ve been able to travel.
2. Never had to worry about if I could afford college.
3. Have my own car.
4. Had a cell phone since I was 8 years old.
5. Never had to worry about food.
6. Always had a home.
7. Been able to try lots of things.
8. Had nice clothes.
9. Had nice toys.
10. Have a pool.
11. Belong to country club.
12. More than one house.
13. People treat you respectfully.
14. People take you more seriously.
15. More opportunities.
Humans have always displayed an individualistic attitude and it's this attitude which has lead to the inequality of life for different groups in society. For one group to have greater benefits or privileges, another group must sacrifice the same things. There is a responsibility that we as a society possess to give up unearned things that benefit us in order to have a more equal society. Compromise is the only way equality can be achieved, unfortunately nobody works with each other anymore so the possibility of equality is almost obsolete.
ReplyDeleteBeing a male gives me unearned privileges that i naturally receive just because I was born a boy. Some benefits I receive for being a male are:
1. I can walk around with my shirt off and it be acceptable
2. I have better job security and pay potential
3. I can rock a buzz cut
4. Its takes me 5 minutes to get ready
5. I don't have to give birth
6. People don't assume or believe I am a bad driver
7. Bathroom lines are almost obsolete
8. I can walk around by myself at night and not be nervous
9. If I do something stupid, people accept it and just say "boys will be boys"
10. When I travel it only requires one suitcase
11. I never have to change my last name. (You said the same but it's important)
12. I can be president one day if i choose to
13. I can grow facial hair
14. Salesmen are less likely to take advantage of me
15. Gray hair and wrinkles make me more attractive (think George Clooney)